Stabilized support



March 16, 1954 Q DRUEDING 2,672,312

STABILIZED SUPPORT Filed Nov. 15, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet l 17"!" I Z'Hlll CHARLES 5 .3%? isms WM Q m wmmaq March 16, 1954 c J, DRUEDING 2,672,312

STABILIZED SUPPORT Filed NOV. 15, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. CHARLES J.DRUEDING an: emzys March 16, 1954 c, J, DRU P NG 2,672,312

STABILIZED SUPPORT Filed Nov 15, 1949 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. I4A.

I N VEN TOR.

CHARLES J. DRUEDING 75 7 2 wilpaimm 4mm March 1954 c. J. DRUEDING 2,672,312

' STABILIZED SUPPORT Filed Novv 15, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. l5.

'III' IEES U v v M m W0 4 INVENTOR. 5 CHARLES J. DRUEDING I U BY m I a U Wwamm mw ummm Patented Mar. 16, 1954 UNITED STATE ATENT OFFICE STABILIZED SUPPORT Charles .1. Drueding, New Orleans, La. Application November 15, 1949, Serial No. 127,497

16 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in a stabilized support which operates under gravity and has for an object to provide a device of this kind which includes a platform which will remain horizontal under all conditions. It may be used in conjunction with any device requiring such a platform for its operation. It may also be used as a norm of the horizontal to determine angles and to assist in the direction of objects to destinations.

Briefly, this objective is realized by mounting a rod or cylinder vertically in such manner that it is ultimately supported by a gimbal and by equalizing the weight of a Weight fixedly attached to said rod or cylinder below the point of support or axis of said rod or cylinder by supporting a weight or weights around or inside the rod or cylinder in such manner that the additional weight above the axis is not supported by said rod or cylinder insofar as its working upon the rod or cylinder is concerned. As will be hereinafter noted, the additional weight or weights above the axis of support is or are ultimately supported by a gimbal ring separate from but related to the gimbal ring supporting the vertical rod or cylinder.

A mere balance, of course, is insufiicient to maintain a horizontal platform as any force or friction would cause it to leave the horizontal position and remain in its new position until again altered by a subsequent force or friction. The gimbals may have some pendulous action of their own. The greater portion of the weight forming the rod, cylinder, sleeve and their attachments could be placed below the line of the gimbals axis.

Gimbals are used in the device (1) for the purpose of achieving a degree of initial stability in supporting the vertical rod or cylinder; and (2) for the purpose of supporting the additional weight or weights about or within the vertical rod or cylinder in such manner that such weight or weights form no integral or attached part of the rod or cylinder.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention will be hereinafter more fully described and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, in which the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the several views,

Figure 1 is a front elevational view, partly in section, of an improved stabilized level constructed in accordance with the present invention,

Figure 1A is a sectional view on the line lA-IA of Figure 1,

Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional View taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1,

Figure 2A is a view similar to Figure 2 showing a modified form of the invention,

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 1,

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail vow of the adjusting means for the support for the bearing,

Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional View taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 4,

Figure 7 is a fragmentary front elevational view, partly in section, of a modified form of the present invention,

Figure 8 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 7, 1

Figure 9 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional View taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 7,

Figure 10 is an enlarged detail view of the adjusting means for the bearing support,

Figure 11 is a fragmentary front elevational view, partly in section, of a modification of the present invention,

Figure 12 is a fragmentary front elevational view, partly in section, of a still further modification of the present invention,

Figure 13 is a fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, of another modification of the present invention,

Figure 14 is a vertical sectional view of the modification shown in Figure 13.

Figure 14A is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the weight adjusting means shown in Figure 14,

Figure 15 is a fragmentary front elevational view, partly in section, of a further modification of the present invention,

Figure 16 is a top plan view of the device shown in Figure 15,

Figure 17 is a fragmentary front elevational View, partly in section, of another form of the present invention, and

Figure 18 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line l 8-! 8 of Figure 17.

Referring more particularly to the drawings and especially to Figures 1 dicates an outer gimbal ring rotatably mounted on two pins 2| disposed degrees apart and which are in turn supported by fixed brackets 22. The brackets 22 may be mounted upon any suitable supporting platform which carries the entire device.

to 6, inclusive, 20 in- A gimbal ring 23 of smaller diameter than the gimbal is disposed therein and is rotatably mounted on two shafts which in turn are mounted on the outer gimbal 20. The shafts 25 extend through the gimbal 23 and project inwardly therebeyond and at their inner free ends rotatably support an inner gimbal 25 which is of less diameter and is disposed inwardly of the gimbal '23. The longitudinal axes of the shafts 24 are disposed at an angle of 90 degrees to that of the pins 21. The shafts 24 aremounted in bearingsZd on thegimba-ls 20 and 23. Alternatively, gimbals 23 and 25 could be fixed to shafts 24 rotatably mounted in gimbal 20.

A ring 27 smaller in diameter than the gin bal 25 is supported from gimbal 23 by four rigid supporting rods '28 which are all securedby weld ing or the like to the inner surfaceof the gimbal. 23, and by adjusting wires 22. One end of each wire is secured to the ring 21 by welding; or'the' like and the opposite end of each is anchored to a, stem 30 02 an adjusting, screww hich: is threadedly carried by a plug 3! mounted in the: oppositeend; portionof the. supporting rod vzd. The end portionsof the adjusting .wiresid-may bewound around the-stem 3B of the screws for adjusting ring 21:.

A gimbalfizsmaller in=.diameterthan ring- 2?- is rotatably supportedon twoshafts 33.. which are niountedponthering, 21. A ring 34 smaller in diameter than the gimbalez is supportedby-four rodsfidwhichin turn are mounted on .the gimbal 32 andzare positioned. 90 degrees apart.v

'Ifli'ejlowier end. portion ofv a vertically extendingrod or cylinder 36screwthreadedly receives am ient-3'1, Askir-tor hollow. rod 38 surrounds the intermediate-portion of the rod- 3451 and four rigid braces 39 which can icein: the form Of-lOdS haventheinrlowen ends secured to the outer surface of the lower end portion-oi. the. skirt S's-by rivetssor thanks-59w andlhave their upper end portions secured to theinner facesxofthe: gimbal 2 5 1by welding: or the like. The intermediate portion of the rodlttsishqllow. as indicated at at and has; a; screw and; communicatingwvith the. hollow portion 4i Th diameter of the socket 4i is lesssthanthat of. theihollow portion 40. thereby providing an annular-idownwardly facing shoulder 52-.

A rod supporting member 43. has a: screw a threaded, shank. 44 received by the socket i l 1 of therrod 36.-and;a conical point 45 which rests in-a bearing 16. The bearing 45 ismountedw-ithin: a cup .4;] which is held in .the horizontal axisiby four wires 48. The lower end .of-each-wire 48 is attached; :toia irrespective pin rcarried by the: cup 41 iandtheiwires extend upwardlyand outwardly:

through suitable passages in the rodi36 and/the:

upperzendxportion of each wire 48 is anchored to auspool portion 50 of anadjusting'screw about which it is adapted to be=wound.- Each adjusting: screw in addition to the spool portion: 50 comprises a head 5! carried by thefr'ee'endoi thlshoolfandknob 52 disposed at the. opposite end'pfthe" adjusting screw; a stem153 carried by the knob and an enlarged screw threadedportion 54*disposed between theispoolfifl andthestem fii- An, interiorly threaded .,plug..55 .is mounted in th'e,upper, end portion Iof ..the .-skirt 38.and.re1

ceives the screw threaded portion. 54 .of the. ad.- justinggscrew. The skirt 38 ltapers upwardlyand. inwardly andcarries on its'inner, surface adjacent itsupper endportion a busliing, 55 which engagesa ring 57."carried by or for'medj integral .with the threaded-socket l-l dispos ed'above 4 Y 4. rod 36 adjacent the bearing 46 in order to prevent point 45 from jumping out of bearing 41.

The weight 37 has mounted thereon as by welding or the like four brackets 58 which are substantially U-shaped and the connecting portion of each bracket has an elongated slot 59 in which is mounted a weight adjusting means 60 comprising a plurality of weights 60a in the form of heavy washers held between the head of a bolt Gib and the U-shaped memberliii by a nut 89c carried by the bolt 60b and iricti'onally engaging the inner surface of the U-shaped member 58. An adjustable screw 6i having a weighted head cm is threadedly mounted in each bolt tlib for eftesting. additional changes of the moments of inertia. A lock nut Gib is provided for holding each scre'w'B-l' inadjusted position. The weights 58a may be adjusted along the slot 59 to equalize the distribution of the weight 37 in order to alter the moments of inertia. A pair of fins 62 intersecting at a 90 degree angle are supported by the lower end portion of the weight 31' and depend therefrom.

A sleeve or hollow rod 53 surrounds the upper end portion of the rod 38 and is supported by the rods 35. The lower edge of the sleeve 68-is notched as at E4 to receive the rods 35. The upper end of the sleeve 63 is closed and four ver.-' tically extending legs 65 have their lower end portions connected to the upper endportion ofthe rod 36 and extend upwardly through'suitable openings in the closed endof the sleeve 63. A horizontally disposed instrument receiving platform ti: is supported by the upper end of the r legs 55;

A screw threaded pin 67 extends'through asuitable screw threaded opening in the head: of the sleeve 63 and extends downwardly to have its lower end portion received-by a cylindrical bore 63 in the upper end portion of the'rodt.

35. The lower end of the pin 6ihasa ball 69'- connection between the sleeve 63 and the rod .38. The'pin 67 has an enlarged-head IE! at itsupper end by which the pin maybe screwedinto' and out of the head of the'sleeve E3 so that the pin may be properly adjusted.

The outer surface of the sleeve 63'has mounted; thereon, as by welding or the like, four brackets? i2which are disposed 99 degrees apart.- The-'1 brackets '12 are substantially U-shaped and'theconnecting portion of each has an elongated'slot 53 therein in which is mounted a weight adjust ing means comprising a plurality of weights Na in the form of heavy washers'held between the head of a bolt Mb and the U-shapedmember;

12 by a nut 'Mccarried by the bolt Mb and fric tionally engaging the inner-surface of the mem ber 12. An adjustablescrew'i5-having a weighted: head 'i5a is threadedly mounted in each bolt Mb for eiiecting additional changes :of-disposition of weight. A lock nut 15b is provided for holding each screw in adjusted position. The weights 14a may be adjusted in the slot =13 to equalize thedistribution of the weight of the sleeve Hand/or" to alter the moments of inertia;

In the use of the device; since the gimbals 'it and 25 are both rotatably mounted on' the shaftsf 24, they will have the same-direction*ofrota tion. Consequently, vertical rod or cylinder 36;- which is supported'by thegimbal-25 by means-cf the connecting arms 39 and the supporting mechanism 43 to 51, will have the same direction of rotation as upper sleeve 63-. which is supported by gimbal 23 by means of arms 28 and supporting mechanism 29, 21, 34, 35 and 33. Movement of the entire device within gimbal in a direction of ninety degrees to the direction of rotation of gimbals 23 and 25 could be made possible inasmuch as the axis of rotation of gimbal 20 is at a ninety degree angle to the axis of gimbals 23 and 25 and inasmuch as gimbal 20 could be designed of sufficient diameter to accommodate passage of the entire device within it.

When there is movement of the platform 66, the gimbal action of gimbal 20 in one direction and of gimbals 23 and 25 in the other direction would tend to prevent transmission of the movement of the mechanism supported by the gimbals. Because of friction in the gimbal bearings, force will be transmitted to the supported mechanism. When the center of gravity of the rod or cylinder and sleeve is placed below the line of the axis of the gimbals it is not necessary to increase the moments of the gimbals below the axis since they would be largely stabilized by the weight of the rod and sleeve and attachment braces .39 and skirt 38 would give some pendulous action to the supporting gimbal. This could be offset by weighting above the supporting gimbal if desired.

I-Iowever, experimentation may indicate that some increase in the moments below the line of the axis would be advisable. Since the positions of conical point and the sleeve support 32 may be changed with reference to the axis of the gimbals various combinations may be tried in order to determine which would be the most suitable under experimentation. It is assumed that the gimbals would be of the finest construction and very sensitive. The design of the supported mechanism is such that the tendency of the rod 36 to leave the vertical is halted or largely halted by the action of the sleeve 63 and its attachments.

Reference is made to the device as exemplified by Figures 1 to 6, inclusive. Reference is here made to the fact that the conical point 45 can be lowered to below the line of the gimbal axis 2| or raised above the line of the gimbal axis 2| by means of struts 48 and that the sleeve support ring 32 may be raised or lowered below or above the line of axis 2| by means of wires 29. Assume that conical point 45 is at the center of the line connecting 2| and that the support for the sleeve 32 is lowered to a point below the conical point 45, and that the weight or moments below conical point 45 is such that the rod and sleeve with attachments constitute a pendulum greater than above conical point 45.

Whenever an external force which would tend to move the platform 66 from the horizontal is applied to the supported means for the brackets 22, the motion imparted to the brackets is transmitted through the pins 2| to the gimbal 20. The movement is then transmitted from the gimbal 20 through the other gimbals and their mountings to the conical point 45 of the rod 36. The movement is also transmitted through the rods '28 and wires 29 to the gimbal 32 and the sleeve 63 which is supported by the gimbal 32. The force transmitted tends to move the gimbal 32 in an arc about point 45 as the center so that as one half of the gimbal 32 swings downwardly -;the other half swings upwardly and carries the sleeve '63 with it to raise a portion of the sleeve and move it from the vertical with reference to the rod 36. Friction due tothe ball 69 would tent to lift the rod 36 as a portion of the sleeve moves upwardly along the rod. The friction at 69 and the inertia of the sleeve 63 and rod .36 with its weight 31 will resist this moving force and dissipate the force which would otherwise be transmitted to the platform 66. The inertia of the gimbals and the friction between the gimbals and their mountings and any pendulous movement of the gimbals, the skirt 38 and the braces .39 will offer resistance to the transmission of the external force to the platform 66.

The function or purpose of the loose play between the pin 61 and the rod 36 is to prevent binding or jamming of these parts which might prevent them assuming a vertical position again after the external force has been removed. However, the play in pin 67 could be eliminated without the loss of its function of preventing binding by the following means. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, a partial ball bearing socket 361; within the cylindrical bore 63 in the upper end of rod 36a would prevent any upward motion of ball bearing 69a, screwed on the lower end of pin 61 and would therefore prevent any upward movement of the sleeve 63 about the rod 36a. Accordingly, the only ways the rod or cylinder 36a could act as a pendulum would be by its lifting the weight of sleeve 63 or by the sleeve 63 lifting the weight of rod or cylinder 36a. The partial ball bearing socket 36b could be adjusted at any point within the cylindrical bore 68 within the rod or cylinder 36a by means of four adjusting screws 36c fitting through vertical slots 36d in the wall of cylindrical bore 68 into the ball bearing socket 362;.

Of course, care must be taken in the design of the ball bearing and ball bearing socket to insure a very slight clearance between them. Otherwise, the weight of the sleeve 63 would be supported by the rod or cylinder 36 rather than by the gimbal 23.

In all cases, the inertia of sleeve 63 considered in relation to the inertia of weight 31 and its attachments in relation to the action of pin 61, plus the necessity of lifting or moving the counterbalancing weight of the sleeve 63 and the friction hereinabove referred to, could prevent the rod or cylinder 36 from deviating from the horizontal plane of gimbal 25. When conical point45 is placed below the line of axis 2| any movement of platform 66 from the horizon tal would result in force being transmitted through the gimbals which would tend to move conical point 45 in an are around the center of the line of axis 2|. The force would tend to move the rod away from its position in the same direction of the sleeve. The inertia of the rod or cylinder and parts would resist the force. The simultaneous tendency lifting the sleeve with its connections would tend to lift the rod or cylinder as indicated above.

In both cases, where the conical point is at the line of the axis 2| or below the line of 2| the sleeve would tend to climb the rod or cylinder and increase the moments upwards along the line of the axis of the rod or cylinder and also transfer weight upwards along the rod or cylinder. This assumed action would lessen any pendulous action of the combined rod or cylinder, and the sleeve. The tendency of the sleeve to climb along the rod would be haltedv by pin to and ball bearing 69a acting on 366, 36c, 36d.

A finely constructed bearing 45 will cause little friction. Thecombined inertiaof the sleeve and rod'would tend to stabilize the gimbals. It is not believed that suflicient force would be transmitted through the gimbals to throw the rod or cylinder from the vertical; Any" liquid would react against any movement of the rod or cylinder and the sleeve. Should some slight deviation take place the rod or cylinder would quickly return to its original positio'nand force the gim bal to a horizontal position. The sleeve would also return to its original position. i

In order to disturb the rod and sleeve thecenter of inertia would be raised. If they are to be displaced, and if disturbed tend to return to their original position. In all events such possible movement or deviation would bevery slight and momentary. When platform 66 is accelerated in an upward arc friction in thegimbal bearings tend to rotate the gimbals. When either the sleeve support 32 or conical point 45 or both are lowered to a position beneath the line of axis 21 the force transmitted through the gimbals would tend to raise and rotate them in an are around their common center. Any pendulous tendency of rod and sleeve would be affected by friction at '45 due to action of skirt 38.

With the liquid adaptation applied the buoy I36 would act to assist in maintaining the rod or cylinder vertically. In liquid, considerable use could be made of damping devices.

All through the above descriptive matter per taining to how the device operates it is necessary to point out that platform '53 is included as a part of the rod or cylinder. Since the positions of conical point 45 and the sleeve support 32 may be changed with reference to the axis of the gimbals, various combinations may be tried out under experimentation in order to determine which arrangement would be most su'itable.

Referring to the modification shown in Figures 7 to 10, inclusive, EB, 71 and '18 indicate gimbals similar to the gimbals 20, 23 and 25, respectively.

The outer gimbal it can b rotatably mounted on the two pins 2i in the san e :izsnner that the outer gimbal 20 is mounted;

A skirt 311 is supported in concentric relation to the gimbal 78 by four arms 81 each of which has oneend portion attached to the outer face of the lower end portion of the shirt and its opposit end portion attached to the gimbal "8, as by welding or the like. A bearing 82 having an upper concave surface is supported Within the upper end portion of the skirt 88 by four rods 83, one end of each or which is connected as by welding or the lik to the bearing and its opposite end portion extends through a suitable opening in a ring- 84 to terminate in an eyelet 85 which receives one end of an adjusting Wire 85. The opposite end of each wire 86 terminates in an eyelet 87 which is pivotally received by a pin 88 mounted on one end portion of a socket member. The opposite. end portion of the socket member hasa socket 89 therein, the side wall of which has a threaded opening through which extends a threaded set screw 9t engaging in an annular groove 9; in the cylindrical smooth surfaced portion 92 of an adjusting screw. Each adjusting screw has a threaded portion i i l which is received by an interiorly threaded bushing 95 mounted. in a suitable opening in the upper end portion oi the skirt 89. Each adjusting screw has a'knurled-headi 95.

A cup 96' is disposed within the skirt 8!! and has te m-unwary ees sentenc member 8? and the cup 86 is supported by four arms 98 which extend downwardly andoutwardly through suitable openings in the intermediate portion of the skirt 80. The lower end portion of each arm 98 is adjustably connected to one end portion of an arm 89 by a slotand screw connection it. The opposite end portion of each arm 9S1 is connected to the gimbal H in any suitable manner as by welding or the like.

A bearing 161 having a lower concave surface for the reception or the pointed member 91 is connected to one end portion of each of four arms I02. The arms extend downwardly and outwardly through the same openings in the skirt 88 through which the arms d8 extend and the opposite end portions of the arms it? extend upwardly and inwardly and are secured to the outer surface of the lower end portion of a sleeve 403 which surrounds a vertically extending rodor cylinder Hi l. The rod lils extends upwardly through an opening I06 in the sleeve N33.

The platform 56 is supported by the rod Hi l in the same manner as illustrated in the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 5. The wall of the opening lflii of the sleeve N33 has four conical shaped contact members it! disposed at about 90 degrees apart and extending into the opening H35 and into contact with the cylinder NM.

The lower end portion of the rod I54 has a screw threaded socket H38 which receives the screw threaded portion P39 of a rod supporting member having a conical point lid received by the bearing 32. A collar iii is mounted on the lower end portion of the rod tilt and has attached thereto by screws or the like H2 four arms H3 spaced apart about 90 degrees. These arms H3 extend downwardly and outwardly and their lower end portions are adjustably attached to the upper end portions of arms are by slot and screw connections 4 Weights 5 iii are supported by the arms l M at their lower ends.

The operation of the modification shown in Figures '7 to 10, inclusive, is similar to that described for the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 6, inclusive, with the exception of the two following difierences: First, the substitution of the conical point l in for the ring 32 and, second, the elimination of the pin $1 and the substitution therefor of the contact members iill'. The point i It was substituted for the ring 32 with the thought that it might be advisable to eliminate the friction in the various rings and gimbals supporting the ring 32. The substitution of the contact members .ltl for the pin 6? was made with the thought that it might be desirable to allow the sleeve I63 to rotate about the rod I34. If such rotation is not deemed necessary or advisable, the sleeve 83' of Figures 1 and 2' could be used in connection with the modification shown in Figures '7 to 10, inclusive.

In the modification of Figures 7 to 10, inclusive, the weight of the arms H12 below the axis connecting the bearing iill to the sleeve EH3 will tend by their own inertia to retard the movement of the sleeve l 63 above the axis. The arms d2 could be of any desired length; even extending below the plane of the point of support. The arms 102 are adjustable to raise orlower theplane of the bearing iili resting upon the point 51' to a plane above or below or identical to the plane of the gimbals l6, l1 and 13. By decreasing thethickness of the bearings 82 and lill, the points iii and 91 may be brought to any desired proximity. On. the other lntnd, the adjustablewires 86 may be shortened,

by means of the adjusting screws 95 to increase the distance between the points H and 97,

Here assume the points IIO and 97 are placed below the line of axis 2i. By reason of the separation of the points I I0 and 97 any tendency of change in the plane of the supporting gimbals caused by any change in the plane of the supporting platform 65 will cause friction between the points H0 and 97 and their respective bearings 82 and II. Such tendency to change in the plane of the gimbals will tend to likewise cause the separate points IIO and 97 to revolve around their common center. The force would tend to cause the rod I04 and the sleeve I03 to within the sleeve sleeve I03 would in Additional contact points I07 could be used to assist in promoting an equal amount of friction I03 and the rod I0 refrom which a diverting force may be applied. order to avoid binding, the contact points I07 could be spring cushioned. For the purposes of diminishing friction ball bearings could be substituted for the contact members I07.

Referring to the modification shown in Figure 11, four arms II7 are attached to a ring H8 not closely fitted around I23 and one end portion of each arm I I7 is secured to a partial sphere H9 and the opposite end of each arm II7 is adapted to be attached to the ring 34 of the modification shown in Figures 1 to 6 or is adapted to be attached to the arms I02 of the modification shown in Figures 1 to 10, inclusive. (In liquid adaptation II9 could be made as a fioat).

The partial sphere II 9 is disposed within a well I20 formed in the upper end portion of a rod I 2| and has an external diameter substantially the same as the internal diameter of the well so that the outer surface of the partial sphere will contact the inner surface of the Wall of the well I20. A rod I23 supports on its upper end a platform I 24 and the rod I23 extends downwardly through centrally located passageway I25 of the partial sphere H9. The lower end portion of the rod I23 extends downwardly beyond the partial sphere II 9 and has its end portion screw threaded as at I 26. The threaded portion I 20 is received by a threaded socket I27 in the rod I2I which communicates with the well I20.

In the use of the form of the invention shown in Figure 11, the limitation on the pendulous action of the rod I2I is similar to that described in connection with the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 6. (In liquid adaptation II9 would operate as anefiectivedamping device).

Referring to the modification shown in Figure 12, this modified form is used when it is desired to diminish the size of sphere I29. Ring I30 would make contact with the inner wall of the well I 20 of the rod I2I. For this purpose the outside diameter of the sphere I29 is less than the inside diameter of the well I20 and the non between the upper sleeve bind ring I30 of the required thickness would 10 make contact with the inner wall of the well I20 and when the attachments are moved it would offer less resistance to the inner wall, that is, it would contact the wall at only two points.

In cases of modification in Figures 11 and 12, the spheres carry within them a weight, or weights could be made disposed along II7.

For the purpose of achieving added stability by a dampening device, the entire device as emencased in liquid except for gimbal 20.

The reaction of ring I32 and sphere I29 to liquid would result in a damping effect. Assume that rod I23 and II7 are at their vertical positions. The instant force would be exerted on II7 and attachments and hydraulic eifect would take place in well I20 due to the action of I30 and I29. The inertia of liquid of I 23 and its attachments and resistance and friction at conical point II 0 would offer resistance to moment of II7 and attachments partly due to resistance at pin 97. II7 and attachments would tend to lift I23 and attachments and carry them against bearing 82 at IIO. If II7 and attachments would move in a direction away from I23, ring I30 would leave the horizontal permitting passage of liquid between I 30 and the well casing lessening the hydraulic effect due to liquid. Turning of I30 and I29 would rotate the liquid in the well. The weight of I23 and attachments and II7 and attachments would return them to their original positions as the motivating force subsides. Holes in well casing below I29 and I30 would alter the damping effect of the operation described above.

It is not believed that suificient force would be ments from their original vertical positions.

Referring to Figures 13 and 14, an outer spherical casing I 3| ,is attached to the gimbal 23 and an inner spherical casing I32 is attached to the gimbal 25. The inner and outer casings I3I and I32 contain fluid which are in communication with one another through an opening I33 in the inner casing I32. Flanges I34 are supported by a rod I35 for minimizing the movement of the liquid between the outer and inner casings. The rod I35 is a prolongation of the rod 36 and its connections and extend through a suitable opening at the top of the outer casing I3I downwardly through the opening I33 of the inner casing I 32. A float I 36 is carried by the rod 36 and is disposed within inner casing I32. The inner casing I32 has openings I32a through which the arms 28 extend. In the case of the liquid modification of Figures 13 and 14 of the drawing, the modifications shown in Figures 11 and 12 could be employed in lieu of the sleeve 33 of Figures 13 and 14 by securing a float to the rod I 23. The reaction of sleeve 63 and skirt 38 to liquid would result in a damping effect.

In the modification of the invention illustrated in Figures 7 to 10, the rod I35 would be screwed into the head of the rod I 04 and in the caseof the modifications shown in Figures 11 and 12, the rod I35 would be substituted for the rod I23. In the use of the modification shown in Figures 13 and 14, all of the functions above described would take place. However, any tendency of the rod I36 to leave the vertical would be further discouraged by the buoyant action of the floats I36 and I29. It would reduce friction at the bearing point of rod 36. (As buoys I25 and I29 wou mo e rin 11 w ld ha a l ft ng afloa o r ce f ict on a .9. 9 the cas o Figure mo m of 3 ermitti g an venin alongth'e well of the Wall, tour openings in .cylinderbelow 138 might be advisable. Moreover, tendency towards rotation of the liquid caused by any surface friction within the casings i3! and it? would be resisted by the float or floats. The float could be made adjustable so thatit could be raised or lowered to regulatethe action desired. The action of the liquid would assist in damping out vibration or oscillation within the device.

Fins 63a and std, respectively, protruding trom sleeve t3 and rod or cylinder 3t, would tend to iurther stabilize the device and prevent movement of the sleeve 63 and] or the rod or cylinder 36.

The modifications illustrated in Figures 15 to 18 inclusive, will cushion the device from shock caused by a sharp change in the direction of the supporting platform i353 when the device is used on a ship, an airplane or other moving object. The outer gimbal 213 or it is mounted either from the smallest of a series of three vertical half rings as shown in Figures 15 and 1501' from the smallest of a set of threevertical full rings as shown inFigures 1'7 and 18.

Referring more particularly to Figures 15 and iii, the outer gimbal 2b is mountedin the follow mg manner: A shaft l3} has its lower end portion f tted into a bearing E38, mounted in a supporting platform 139. The upper end portion of the shaft 13'? is secured to the bottom of vertically disposed half ring 540, the upper end portions of which support bearings Ml. The half ring M0 has one end of each of a pair of, shafts id la connected thereto and the opposite end of each shaft idle is received by the respective bearing Mi;

A full horizontally disposed ring Hi2 which is, in the same horizontal plane as the outer gimbal 28. or E6 and the inner gimbals 23 and 25 orl'i and i8 is supported by the bearings Hi. The ring I42 has mounted thereon bearings d3 which are spaced from the bearings t ll about 9.0 degrees. Shafts Md each have one end portion in unted n a respective bearing. its and its-opposits end connected to a vertically disposed hair-ring 145 having at its bottom bearing Hi6 throughwhich extends a rod it], connected to thebottom of a vertically disposed half-ring M8. Thev lower end portion of the rod t l]. is threaded e d receives an adjustable screw threaded weight The halt-ring M8. has mounted on its upper free, ends bearings 158 into which fit, respectively, one end portion of each of shafts l-El. The opposite end portion of each shaft l5-tis connected to the outer gimbal 2 0. or iii, which supports the remaining parts of the device in the manner previously described. The half-rings I45 and I48 are disposed at an angle of 90 degrees qfillehaliue, ifl- Figures 1'? and 18 show a modified form. of he nvent on. enti to a bi F u es a ld'except thatthe half-rings NHL ldfiand; Hi8 are madeas full rings Edda, Hl'a and Nita, a standard 152 is mounted on the supporting member i39 and its upper end portion, I53, is arouateexend ng nwardl ebore l er ns NM- h r e nd; o th o t on .3. su por ear n E-5. weigh rec es h rp r'e d neon. bi. a snail 5 h o r:- e d. f ic s e eetedfio he ring 1150a. The halt-rings orfull ringswill act as gimbals. The vertical gimbals would assist in damping or preventing rotation of the inner mechan sm.

In order to insure the equivalent of a constantly moving platform, even while the ship, airplane or other platform is at rest, and to prevent static friction on resumption of motion by the platform, the whole device should be kept in slight motion at all times by a powered oscillator or by other convenient means.

The improved device would serve as a level for such instruments 'as gyros, magnetic and gyro-compasses, transits :and theodolites. would serve as a level platform for liquid containers such as to support compasses on ships and planes. It would furnish a level for guns or unnery sights. It could be used in connection with an automatic pilot, bombsight, and alarm units aboard s ips.

It will be noted that ball '63, Figure 2, could be onstructed witha ring as number 129 and 9i; Fi ure 12 and that four holes could be placed beneath 594 in which case it would operate with reference to the description pertaining to operation described in Figure 12.

It is obvious that'var-ious changes and modificatio i may be made in the. details of construction and de ign of the above. specifically described embodiment of this invention without departing from the spirit thereof, Such changes and modifications being restricted only'by the scope of the following claims.

l hatlclaimis:

1. An improved stabilized level support comri n at least two interconnected gimbals, a platiorm, a rod for Supporting said platform, a yieldable supporting connection between said rod and ne of; said gimbals, a weight attached to said rod below'its point. of support, and an equalizing weight disposed above the point of support of said rod tor-equalizing said first weight and supported bythe. other or said gimbals.

2. An, improved stabilized level support as claimed-in claim 1 characterized by the fact that said rvieldablesupporting connection comprises a bearing supportedby the. said one gimbal and a conical member supported by said bearing and connected to. said rod.

An improved stabilizedlevel support as claimed in claim Zcharacterized by the fact that said. bearing is supported by wires and that a spool is provided for shortening and lengthening said wires for raising and lowering said hearing.

4, An improved stabilized level support as claimed in claim 3-. characterized by the fact that mounted on a. skirt and that said arms which are connected aid. spool is skirt is. supported byto. saidssimbals.

5. An improved stabilized level support comprising a plurality of gimbals, a platform, a rod for supporting said platform, a. yieldable supporting,connection'betweensaid rod and one of saidgimbals, a weightattachedto said rod below its, point of support, an equalizing.- weight dis.- posect abovethe pointaof support of said rod for equalizing said first weight and supported by another of said gimbals, the upper end portion of saidrodhaving a bore therein, a pin extending through said equalizing weight and having a portion received by said tachably. mounted on said received byasaid bore. I s

, 6., An; improved stabilized. level support; comprising a ,gimbal, a support. for saidg'imbal', a

@ 3 nd. a ell eportion of the pin and supporting member supported by said gimbal, a platform mounted on said supporting member, a weight attached to said supporting member below the point of support of said supporting member, a second gimbal rotatably supported by said support, a ring, arms connected to said second gimbal, an adjusting screw mounted on said arms, wires each having one end portion wound around said adjusting screw and its opposite end connected to said ring for raising and lowering said ring upon turning of said adjusting screw, and a weight disposed above the point of support of said supporting member for equalizing said first weight and supported by said ring for adlustable movement therewith.

7. An improved stabilized level support comprising a plurality of gimbals, a rod, a supporting connection between said rod and one of said gimbals, a weight attached to said rod below its point of support, the upper end portion of said rod having a well therein, a partial sphere disposed within said well, a second rod extending downwardly through said partial sphere and supported by said first rod, a platform mounted upon said second rod, and arms connected to said partial sphere and to another of said gimbals.

8. An improved stabilized level support comprising a plurality of gimbals, a rod, a supporting connection between said rod and one of said gimbals, a weight attached to said rod below its point of support, the upper end portion of said rod having a Well therein, a sphere disposed within said well and having an outside diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of said well, a band mounted on the outer surface of said sphere and engaging the inner wall of said well, a second rod extending downwardly through said sphere and supported by said first rod, a platform mounted upon said second rod, and

arms connected to said sphere and to another of said gimbals.

9. An improved stabilized level support comprising a gimbal, a support for said gimbal, a supporting member supported by said gimbal, a platform mounted on said supporting member, a weight attached to said supporting member below the point of support of said supporting member, a weight disposed above the point of support of said supporting member for equalizing said first weight, a gimbal for supporting said second weight, an outer spherical casing supported by said first gimbal, and an inner spherical casing supported by said second gimbal, each of said casings containing fluid and enclosing said gimbals, said supporting member and said weights.

10. An improved stabilized level support comprising an outer gimbal, an inner gimbal supported by said outer gimbal, a second inner gimbal supported by said outer gimbal, a rod supported by one of said inner gimbals, a platform mounted on said rod, a weight attached to said rod below its point of support, an equalizing weight disposed above the point of support of said rod for equalizing said first weight and supported by the other of said inner gimbals, a supporting member, a shaft mounted on said supporting member, a, vertically disposed half ring mounted on said shaft and having bearings thereon, a full horizontally disposed ring supported in said bearings and having bearings thereon, a second vertically disposed half ring mounted in the bearings on said full ring and having a bearing in its bottom, a second rod extending through the bearing in the bottom of said second vertically disposed half ring, a third vertically disposed half ring connected to said second rod and having bearings thereon connected to said outer gimbal, and a weight mounted on said second rod.

11. An improved stabilized level support as claimed in claim 10 characterized by the fact that said half rings are full rings, that a standard is supported by the supporting member, that said standard carries a bearing, and that a shaft is fitted in said standard bearing and connected to the first vertically disposed ring.

12. An improved stabilized level support comprising a plurality of gimbals, a platform, a rod for supporting said platform, a yieldable supporting connection between said rod and one of said gimbals, a, weight attached to said rod below its point of support, an equalizing weight disposed above the point of support of said rod for equalizing said first weight and supported by another of said gimbals, the upper end portion of said rod having a socket therein, a pin extending through said equalizing weight, and a ball detachably mounted on the lower end of said pin and received by said socket.

13. An improved stabilized level support as claimed in claim 12 characterized by the fact that retaining bearing means are disposed within said socket and engage the upper surface of said ball, that vertically extending slots are provided in the wall of said socket in said rod, and that adjusting screws extend through said slots and engage said retaining bearing means, whereby said retaining bearing means may be vertically adjusted within said socket and may be entirely removed therefrom.

14:. An improved stabilized level support comprising a gimbal, a support for said gimbal, a supporting member supported by said gimbal, a platform mounted on said supporting member, a weight attached to said supporting member below the point of support of said supporting member, a weight disposed above the point of support of said supporting member for equalizing said first weight, a gimbal for supporting said second weight, brackets mounted on each of said weights and having elongated slots therein, bolts mounted on said brackets for adjustment in said slots, weights mounted on each bolt, locking means for holding each bolt in its adjusted position, each bolt having a threaded socket therein, and a weighted screw threadedly received by the socket of each bolt.

15. An improved stabilized level support comprising a plurality of gimbals, a platform, a rod for supporting said platform, a yieldable supporting connection between said rod and one of said gimbals, a weight attached to said rod below its point of support, an equalizing weight encircling said rod and having spaced apart point contact therewith and disposed above the point of support of said rod for equalizing said first weight, said yieldable supporting connection comprising a skirt supported by said one gimbal, a bearing supported by the skirt, and a conical member supported by said bearing and operatively connected to said equalizing weight to support said equalizing weight.

16. An improved stabilized level support comprising a gimbal, a, support for said gimbal, a supporting member supported by said gimbal, a platform mounted on said supporting member, a weight attached to said supporting member below the point of support of said supporting member, a second weight disposed above the 1"5 of supfiort; of. s'glid 51115150155 g member for equalizing said-first. wight, and afsec'ond gimbal 1'01 Supporting s alidj'second weight, said gimbals being'interconnected.

CHARLES J. DRUEDING.

References Cited in the file of thisatent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 1 416 1 I Name Date ,Fieu'x "1 Sept. 29, 1931 Esbilson Oct. 18, 1932 Anscntt et a1. Oct. 18, 1938 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain June 30, 1922 

